Visiting Hiroshima: Peace Park, Miyajima and the Seto Inland Sea Towns

Hiroshima is known worldwide for the atomic bombing of 1945, but today it is a rebuilt and pleasant city of rivers, wide avenues and trams running through the streets. Visitors usually come for two reasons: to learn about peace history and to visit Miyajima, famous for its torii gate standing in the water. The city also offers good food, a busy port and Seto Inland Sea towns that deserve some spare time.

Who it suits and how many days

Hiroshima suits people interested in modern history, families who want their children to learn about peace, and travellers who like a mix of nature and island shrines. The museum content is emotionally heavy, so think carefully before taking small children. If you want nightlife or big-scale shopping, Hiroshima offers less than Osaka. Two days covers the city and Miyajima. With three, add Onomichi, a seaside town with hillside lanes, or Kure, a port town with a naval history.

Best months and weather

The climate is Seto Inland Sea type, relatively mild and drier than the Sea of Japan side. Late March to April brings cherry blossom in the parks and along the rivers. Late November is the autumn colour period on Miyajima, particularly in Momijidani valley. Summer is hot, humid and rainy at first, with typhoon risk later. Winter is cold but bright, and it is the oyster season. Check the forecast before taking the ferry to the island.

Getting there and getting around

The Sanyo Shinkansen stops at Hiroshima Station: roughly an hour and a half from Osaka, about four hours from Tokyo and a little over an hour from Hakata in Fukuoka. In the city the Hiroden tram is the main way to get around, with lines to the Peace Park and the port. Miyajima is reached by taking the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station and then a ferry of around ten minutes. Check fares and timetables with the operators.

• From Hiroshima Station to the Peace Park you can take the tram or walk, depending on comfort.
• Ferries to Miyajima run through the day, but leave a margin for the return trip so you do not miss the last one.
• On the island there is a ropeway and hiking routes up Mt. Misen, so wear sensible walking shoes.

Main sights

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a riverside park holding the Peace Memorial Museum, the Children's Peace Monument and the Flame of Peace. The Atomic Bomb Dome, or Genbaku Dome, is a preserved ruin and a World Heritage Site; dress and behave respectfully. Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden are calm places that work well after the museum. On Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine is built out over the water and is also a World Heritage Site.

Lesser-known stops

Onomichi lies in the east of the prefecture, a seaside town with hillside temples and narrow lanes, and the start of the Shimanami cycling route across the islands. Kure has a museum devoted to the battleship Yamato. Okunoshima is an island with many rabbits, for animal lovers. Takehara is a quiet old town where traditional merchant houses still line the streets.

Areas to know

Food and souvenirs

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki differs from the Osaka version because the ingredients are layered and noodles go inside. Oysters, or kaki, are the prefecture's famous product, served grilled, fried and in hot pots. On Miyajima, maple-leaf-shaped momiji manju cakes are a popular souvenir, and grilled conger eel on rice is another local dish. If you are allergic to seafood, ask before ordering, because many local dishes include shellfish.

Budget in broad terms

Hiroshima is often easier on a visitor's budget than Tokyo or Kyoto, though accommodation prices rise and fall with the season and with city events. Museum and attraction fees, tram fares, ferry fares and ropeway fees can all change. Check current sites before deciding, and leave room in the budget for treats such as oysters.

Sample short plan

1. 1Day 1: the cityPeace Memorial Park in the morning with at least one to two hours at the museum, then Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien in the afternoon, and okonomiyaki in the evening.
2. 2Day 2: मियाजिमाReach the island early and see the shrine at high or low tide as you have checked beforehand. Take the ropeway or hike Mt. Misen if the weather is good.
3. 3Day 3: Onomichi or KurePick one according to interest: Onomichi for walking and photography, Kure for ship history.

While changing trams or waiting for a ferry, mobile data lets you check boat times and tide information and open maps straight away. A Japan eSIM is one way to do that without picking up a SIM at the airport.

जापान के eSIM प्लान देखें

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